10 Effective (and Free!) Language Learning Websites

In most schools, gone are the days of journaling and assignment books. Kids are adept at using smart phones and tablets at a very young age, and schools are fully embracing a very technologically literate student body. As you prepare your preschooler for school and support your school-age child in their studies, it is helpful to know where to find additional resources online. Even better, these resources are either free or offered at a very low cost.

10 Great Free Language Learning Websites

ABCya.com – this site offers hundreds of games, played for free on PCs (with ads). You may elect to pay $6.99/month for ad-free access, and you can use any device you’d like.

Starfall.com – phonics are fun with the games available through Starfall. Broken into 4 developmental categories, the site grows with your child’s ability. There are free activities, or you can choose to purchase a home membership for $35/year (less than $3 a month) to have full access.

Turtlediary.com – sorted by grade level (up to 5th), there are all sorts of educational games and activities. If you want to focus on language learning, there are both typing games and word games available. The free version includes ads, or you can upgrade to premium for $47.88/month.

Funbrain.com – also sorted by grade level (up to 8th), these games are truly a lot of fun. Your kids won’t even realize they are learning!

Arcademics.com – if you have a son or daughter who loves going to the arcade, don’t miss this free site. The games are interactive and seem more like video games than educational ones. This site will be a big hit!

Into the Book – do you remember preparing for standardized tests? If so, you probably remember that it was not fun. Into the Book manages to make reading strategies fun for kids – not an easy feat!

Dance Mat Typing – since some schools no longer teach handwriting and focus, instead, on typing, give your child a head start (or extra support) with this typing resource, powered by BBC.

Sheppard Software – there is a little something for everyone on this great comprehensive website. While the focus in this article is language, no matter what interest your child has (or subject in which they need a little extra help), you’ll find it here. There is also a paid, no-ad version for families for $36/year.

Spellingcity.com – spelling comes naturally to some and is a struggle for others. Help your child think spelling is no big deal with this resource. A limited free membership is available, or you can increase functionality and access with a premium membership for $29.99 for up to 5 students.

Duolingo.com – geared toward older learners, this website makes learning a language fun and accessible. You have your choice of 22 languages, from Spanish to Hungarian. Once your student starts learning languages at school (or even before), this is a great supplemental learning experience.

Are there other free language learning resources you’ve found and love that we missed? Help us add to the list!

That is so neat! I had no idea there were even free options available. My oldest and I have talked about learning a language together and traveling to that place when we get fluent enough. This should help us start on our path!

This is amazing! I would really love to thank you for sharing this! I’ve been wanting my kids to learn new language but I’m having a hard time looking for an app or site that would meet our needs. Will check all these sites!